The Oklahoma City Thunder levelled the NBA Finals at 1-1 with a statement win against the Indiana Pacers, with the series set to move to Indiana on Wednesday.
The Pacers struggled to get into rhythm and bother the Thunder on Sunday with their notorious pace and will be looking to find alternative offensive strategies to counter the swarming OKC defence.
Key to any success Indiana should enjoy offensively will be the presence of their All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has spearheaded their NBA Finals run in 2025 after having led them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024.
Despite fan criticism of Haliburton, the fact remains that the former Kings guard is the fulcrum around which Rick Carlisle’s team functions.
However, there is reason to worry at the Indiana camp regarding his availability for Game 3 at home after concerning reports emanated from his media appearance following the Pacers’ defeat.
Tyrese Haliburton injury will worry Pacers fans
An injury to your best player is the last thing any fanbase wants to hear about, especially during their biggest moment in decades.
However, this is precisely the nightmare scenario Pacers fans are living out right now.
Haliburton reportedly walked off with a ‘noticeable’ limp, according to Pacers beat reporter Scott Agness, after his interaction with NBA media personnel post-game.
It is unclear when Haliburton sustained the injury, as the All-Star guard did not leave the game and racked up game-high minutes for the Pacers. There has been no official statement by the team either, following the game, which likely indicates that it is just a niggle bothering the star guard.
While this offers optimism regarding his availability for Game 3, the Pacers will need him to be at 100% if they are to overcome the history-making Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Haliburton injury triggers déjà vu amongst Pacers fans
The Pacers mounted a surprise run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024, where they came up against the Boston Celtics, the eventual champions.
During Game 2 of the series, Haliburton suffered a hamstring injury that prevented him from returning to action for Games 3 and 4, which led to the Celtics unceremoniously sweeping the Pacers out of championship contention.
A year later, having overcome the hurdles of the Eastern Conference, it would be devastating for Pacers fans if it is yet another injury to their star guard that ends their quest for NBA glory.